Kyrie Irving has not played a minute this season as he recovers from a torn ACL, but his fingerprints are all over the Dallas Mavericks backcourt.
While he can't coach the team on the court, head coach Jason Kidd said Irving has taken on the responsibility of coaching rookie guard Brandon Williams on the sideline, in practice and in the locker room.
“Kai's leadership is very strong … just having a voice, a guy who does it at a very high level, and a guy that you can see doing it in practice,” Kidd said. “So you get to learn about career training, vision and hearing Kai's voice, so I think the masterclass Kai has done so far with B Will has been incredible.”
Williams is only 25 years old and is in his second full season in Dallas.
Earlier this month, he earned the starting point guard spot, something Kidd has done that directly correlates to Irving's guidance.
For more than a year, Kidd watched the relationship build. He praised the young defender's development last season, saying:
“I think being with Kai improved his game. I think he did some research on Kai and took a page out of his book.”
This guidance goes far beyond X's and O's. In practices, Irving repeatedly pulled Williams aside to dissect pick-and-roll coverage, tempo and late-game reads. Off the court, Williams admits he relies on Irving as much as possible.
“I call Kay for almost anything,” Williams said late last season. “Anything I need, anything I want to know about, the office is right there. Carey is just a phone call away. I respect Carey.”
In 15 games, Williams averaged 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.6 steals, one of the few bright spots in a tough 5-12 start for Dallas.
READ MORE: LeBron James slams critics who question fit with Lakers roster
